I am currently trying to get a PC from one of my friends. I would prefer that over Linux. Nothing against Ubuntu, but I guess it will do both of us well if this old dog does not need to learn a new trick. If that fails, however, brace yourself for a bunch of beginner questions about Linux/Ubuntu.
In the meantime, I did ponder Meridians test results on the reaction fire issue and had an enlightenment.
the difference is NOT in opening doors triggering reaction fire; and most likely also not in mutual surprise... it is very likely something very subtle that has quite big impact
Perfectly on point. Meridian is right.
PS2: that means that my "LuckyLuke experiment" was 100% wrong...
Unfortunately absolutely right, too.
A reaction fire check in vanilla is performed
right before an alien does fire a gun/prime a granade. That does explain just everything:
Aliens shot by reaction fire on their tile without moving, fireing or doing something else.
Aliens shot inside UFO when door is blocked when they open it.
Seemingly no mutual surprise for aliens. (They are seen to get shot)
This reaction check does only apply to aliens in vanilla.
So if we would move the "Lucky Luke" experimental reaction code to the spot right before an Alien does fire or prime a grenade, we will have a reaction system identical to vanilla x-com 1 & 2.